Anthrax- is a scary word due to its association with the threat of biological warfare. And not just in the plot of an apocalyptic movie.
In 2001, anthrax spores were used to contaminate U.S. mail, killing 5 people who were exposed. But the disease anthrax, caused by the bacteria Bacillus anthracis, is rareand not uniformly fatal.
When I attended medical school, we learned it was “woolsorter’s disease” since the spores can be released from processing wool or animal hides. The bacteria live in soil, so are spread wherever soil goes.
Anthrax is also known as woolsorter’s disease.
Most humans who get infected develop skin lesions, the cutaneous form of anthrax and the most common. Breathing or eating the spores however, can lead to inhalation or gastrointestinal anthrax which are life-threatening.
Fortunately, antibiotics are effective against anthrax . There is also a vaccine that currently is only used in situations of possible exposure such as military service or work in a research lab.
Carole King’s memoir, “A Natural Woman,” delves into her remarkable life as a Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter. Despite her musical success, she faced profound personal challenges, including turbulent marriages and traumatic experiences. King’s resilience and candid account offer a powerful reminder of the complexities behind public personas and the importance of seeking help in times of struggle.
Although Carole King did not write “A Natural Woman” for herself (she and her first husband were asked to write it for Aretha Franklin), the song aptly fits her life also.
Carole grew up in a close Jewish family, attended school where she excelled in performing arts, and graduated early. She married young and loved her husbands (four of them) passionately. She doted on her four children and did all the typical mom things- driving them to activities, homeschooling, and sewing their clothes. She cooked food that she grew herself and even milked a goat she owned. She welcomed grandchildren and cared for aging parents.
She could almost be any 70-year-old woman- except she is a Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter who has written over 100 songs, including many of the greatest hits from the 1970s. In 2013 she became the first woman to be awarded the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.
inserts from our Carole King music CD collection
The music
Ms. King was at the height of her career in 1972 when my husband and I met, and found we had a mutual appreciation for her music, and still do. So, even though I don’t read memoirs of celebrities, I made an exception this time. I wanted to know more about this talented woman, and I was not disappointed.
The pain
As I listened to the book’s audio version, which she recorded, I marveled how she managed to live such a normal and successful life while experiencing a series of traumatic experiences starting in childhood. These included
a sibling with physical and developmental disabilities
the breakdown of her parents’ marriage
financial instability in her early career
the conflict of her four failed marriages
an extended civil lawsuit
accidents resulting in serious physical injury
exposure to mental illness and substance abuse
The last issue is noteworthy in that it led to two of her divorces. It also led to several years in which she suffered verbal and physical abuse from one of her husbands, who was mentally ill and addicted to drugs.
She candidly admits that she submitted to it, thinking she deserved it, he didn’t mean to hurt her, and that he would change. Fortunately, one night she literally woke up with the conviction that she needed help. Counseling helped her develop personal resources to resist and stop the abuse. She urges women in similar circumstances to seek help and recommends
I am sad she experienced such pain in her life, all the while brightening other lives with her music. She said that music helped her cope with the challenges in her life.
Herliferemindsusthat people who appear successful and accomplished in some areas of life may be unhappy and hurting in others. We may never know the pain that some have walked through to get where they are.
Carole King insists that she never wanted to be a star or diva, and she zealously guarded her privacy. According to this book, she values her family, relationships, writing songs, and sharing her music. I am glad she also decided to share this side of her life and the lessons it teaches. Thank you, Carole King.
a selection of Carole King’s music
(these are affiliate links)
Tapestry Carole King’s first and most successful album
In this post I remember a date night at the theater watching “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” highlighting King’s journey as a songwriter with Gerry Goffin. Despite their success in music, their marriage struggled due to infidelity and mental health issues. I have slso reviewed her memoir.
I’d love for you to follow this blog. I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.
Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.
I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.
Dr. Aletha
Use these links to share the heart of health wherever you connect.
watercress words by Dr Aletha 